THE Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is seeking daredevils from Trafford to take on a sponsored shark dive at the Blue Planet Aquarium, in Cheshire, on Sunday, March 23 next year.

The shark dive aims to raise funds towards its research into treatments for muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions and support for the 70,000 families in the UK who are affected by them. The charity challenge is aimed at scuba-diving beginners and participants can bring along spectators to spur them on.

Once in the water, divers will have the chance to brush shoulders with an array of underwater creatures, including sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, stingrays and shoals of jacks, grunts and snappers.

Training from fully qualified instructors and all scuba equipment will be provided.

Those brave enough to take the plunge are being asked to raise £300 minimum sponsorship.

Emily Davies, who took part in the event recently said: “Diving with sharks was the most amazing and scariest thing I have ever done. Even now I cannot describe and do it justice, but the fact that I want to do it again and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone probably comes close."

Charles Horton, volunteer fundraising manager for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said: “Coming face to face with one of nature’s most feared creatures is something that sends a shiver down the spine for many of us. However, by taking on this challenge you will be helping the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to change the lives of thousands of families across the UK who live with devastating muscle-wasting conditions. Muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions cause muscles to weaken and waste over time leading to increasing disability and in many cases, significantly affecting life-expectancy.

For further information, please contact Charles at the charity regional fundraising office on 01244 536551 or email northwest@muscular-dystrophy.org.